Teams are called upon to complete a mission challenge which involves searching an area for items of interest. A purpose-built quadcopter drone and ground control station together form a small uncrewed aircraft system (sUAS). Building the drone and learning to program it for autonomous flight are the primary challenges facing teams in the beginner division.
Teams in the advanced division will conduct autonomous flight and also design and build a mechanism for the drone which will be used to complete a specific additional task. This requires engineering a complete customized solution from design to fabrication, testing and refining.
The sUAS must comply with special instructions (SPINS) for flight and remain within the assigned airspace.
Drone systems (and the technical skills needed to operate and maintain them) that can accomplish tasks effectively where directed will be in high demand. Students also develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, time management and problem solving.
The included UAS4STEM virtual ground school provides robust introduction to the scientific principles governing flight, aviation safety, regulatory requirements for operating in the US national airspace and more, preparing eligible students to earn a Part 107 professional drone operator license.
Teams are also required to create, rehearse and deliver a professional presentation to a panel of judges, including a video about UAS4STEM. Below are some examples of student-created videos from the 2024 preliminary competition.
These presentations, called Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), serve to demonstrate that teams are ready to conduct the flight mission safely. Teams share their procedures and steps in planning for the competition and their plans to achieve mission tasks during flight. Below are some exemplary Flight Readiness Review presentations from the 2023 competition.
Beginner Team FRRs
Advanced Team FRRs
Winning teams at the national level are presented with scholarship money, directly creating a pathway from this competition to education and a career in a STEM field. Student national competitors who responded to our most recent survey indicated that due to participating in UAS4STEM, they feel more prepared to succeed in science, technology, engineering and math. They also feel improved confidence along with a better capacity for teamwork, communication and leadership.
